October 8th, 2012
DIY Newspaper ‘Letter Transfer’ Nails. 1) Cut small piece of newspaper to fit your nail size. Choose the font and words you like! For mine, I chose a newspaper clipping of an article entitled ‘How To Plan And Start A Business,’ hahaha. Also, set aside alcohol and clear polish. Your nails must be painted with a base coat and/or a color much lighter than the newspaper ink. I painted on Revlon nail lacquer in Graceful, a nice concrete-gray shade. 2) Dip your nail on the alcohol for a few seconds, soak it completely. Use the bottle cap or any similar small container that can fit the tips of your fingers. 3) Immediately wrap your alcohol-soaked nail bed firmly with the paper; press it to your nail but keep it on its place so the transfer of ink wont smudge. 4) Carefully peel off the paper, and wait for it to completely dry. You’ll see the imprint of the paper is actually a mirror image, but that make it cute, methinks! If you want to level up the newspaper nail art, try snipping out just little strips of words, place one word per nail, and you can create a sentence per hand (that’s five words for five nails, so think creatively!) 5) Seal your nails with a top coat, then clean the edges with nail polish remover. Without the top coat, the newspaper ink will just smudge and fade, so this is important! [It’s been nearly a month since my last post! Sorry about that. Was quite busy with lots of things — work, watching musicals and concerts, some travel… Will post about these soon!]
DIY Newspaper ‘Letter Transfer’ Nails.

1) Cut small piece of newspaper to fit your nail size. Choose the font and words you like! For mine, I chose a newspaper clipping of an article entitled ‘How To Plan And Start A Business,’ hahaha. Also, set aside alcohol and clear polish. Your nails must be painted with a base coat and/or a color much lighter than the newspaper ink. I painted on Revlon nail lacquer in Graceful, a nice concrete-gray shade.

2) Dip your nail on the alcohol for a few seconds, soak it completely. Use the bottle cap or any similar small container that can fit the tips of your fingers.

3) Immediately wrap your alcohol-soaked nail bed firmly with the paper; press it to your nail but keep it on its place so the transfer of ink wont smudge.

4) Carefully peel off the paper, and wait for it to completely dry. You’ll see the imprint of the paper is actually a mirror image, but that make it cute, methinks! If you want to level up the newspaper nail art, try snipping out just little strips of words, place one word per nail, and you can create a sentence per hand (that’s five words for five nails, so think creatively!)

5) Seal your nails with a top coat, then clean the edges with nail polish remover. Without the top coat, the newspaper ink will just smudge and fade, so this is important!

[It’s been nearly a month since my last post! Sorry about that. Was quite busy with lots of things — work, watching musicals and concerts, some travel… Will post about these soon!]

14 notes #diy#nail polish#nails#nailpolish#nail art#nailart#newspaper#tutorial
September 14th, 2012
DIY Sharpie-fied Nails. Here’s a little tutorial on how you can use a trusty Sharpie (permanent ink marker)  for fun nail art! The trick is to practice the design or doodle you intend to draw on your nails using both of your hands. If you can have a friend draw on your claws, well and good, but for people who like selfy nail art (like me!), practice makes perfect. Here’s how you can create the look I just did: 1) Choose two polish colors and paint the lighter colored one on half of your nail (don’t forget your base coat, by the way). 2) Coat the darker color on the other side; it’s fine if it’s not perfectly straight since you’ll draw on top of it! 3) While waiting for my nails to completely dry, I practiced some squiggles on a paper using both thin and thick Sharpie tips. I’m left handed, so I had to practice using my right hand to draw in designs. 4) Carefully doodle on your nail, then wait for the ink to completely dry before adding a top coat (if you don’t, you’ll smudge the Sharpie doodle and ruin your nails!). I found doing this sort of zig zaggy Ikat-like design easy to draw with both hands since it allows for messy squiggles. I’d love to draw some hearts, stars, and other cutesy things next, but then I’ll need to practice being right-handed for it too!

DIY Sharpie-fied Nails.
Here’s a little tutorial on how you can use a trusty Sharpie (permanent ink marker)  for fun nail art! The trick is to practice the design or doodle you intend to draw on your nails using both of your hands. If you can have a friend draw on your claws, well and good, but for people who like selfy nail art (like me!), practice makes perfect. Here’s how you can create the look I just did:
1) Choose two polish colors and paint the lighter colored one on half of your nail (don’t forget your base coat, by the way).
2) Coat the darker color on the other side; it’s fine if it’s not perfectly straight since you’ll draw on top of it!
3) While waiting for my nails to completely dry, I practiced some squiggles on a paper using both thin and thick Sharpie tips. I’m left handed, so I had to practice using my right hand to draw in designs.
4) Carefully doodle on your nail, then wait for the ink to completely dry before adding a top coat (if you don’t, you’ll smudge the Sharpie doodle and ruin your nails!). I found doing this sort of zig zaggy Ikat-like design easy to draw with both hands since it allows for messy squiggles.
I’d love to draw some hearts, stars, and other cutesy things next, but then I’ll need to practice being right-handed for it too!

4 notes #DIY#tutorial#nail polish#nails#nail art#nailart#sharpie
August 14th, 2012
DIY Glitter Polish. I think I have bottles of nail polish more than your average woman (over two? three dozen? and counting). With so many bottles, brands and colors to choose from, old ones tend to be ignored, left to turn gummy. I decided to breathe new life into a couple of neglected old bottles by adding some sparkle: Glitter Powder! For older, gummy polishes, first add some nail polish solvent to make it more fluid. Adding the powder is easy as the ones I’ve purchased have tiny nozzles that fit right into the nail polish bottle’s opening. The glitter powder comes in plastic squeezable bottles so after 3-5 pumps (depends how glittery you want it to spread), I am done. Shake and swirl the polish bottle to spread the glitter evenly. Try experimenting with different colors of glitter, and different glitter sizes and shapes. I also glittered up a bottle of clear nail polish — that way I can add it as a top coat to any nail polish color!

DIY Glitter Polish.

I think I have bottles of nail polish more than your average woman (over two? three dozen? and counting). With so many bottles, brands and colors to choose from, old ones tend to be ignored, left to turn gummy. I decided to breathe new life into a couple of neglected old bottles by adding some sparkle: Glitter Powder! For older, gummy polishes, first add some nail polish solvent to make it more fluid. Adding the powder is easy as the ones I’ve purchased have tiny nozzles that fit right into the nail polish bottle’s opening. The glitter powder comes in plastic squeezable bottles so after 3-5 pumps (depends how glittery you want it to spread), I am done. Shake and swirl the polish bottle to spread the glitter evenly. Try experimenting with different colors of glitter, and different glitter sizes and shapes. I also glittered up a bottle of clear nail polish — that way I can add it as a top coat to any nail polish color!


4 notes #glitter#glitter powder#glitter nails#glitter nail polish#diy#nail polish
August 8th, 2012
Haiguise! Post: Easy Peasy Frenchtipping Before, one of the main reasons why I visit nail salons for them to do my nails is for pretty French Tips. But when I started doing this nifty little trick in college, I learned DIY Frenchies are pretty fun (and cost less!) 1. Start with a dry coat of clear or colored polish. Here, I have the week’s self-manicure and accent nail. Gonna tip the violet ones with a glittery lavender polish! 2. Tape over your nails and leave a strip of nailbed bare on top (adjust the area on how thick/thin you want the Frenchtip to be). Get your Frenchtip color (white, or any color actually!) and paint your tips! 3. Even with shaky hands, you’ll get straight strips of the paint thanks to the tape acting as your stencil. Carefully peel off the strips of tape while the polish is still slightly wet. 4. Let them dry, add a clear top coat to seal. Ta-daah! :)

Haiguise! Post: Easy Peasy Frenchtipping

Before, one of the main reasons why I visit nail salons for them to do my nails is for pretty French Tips. But when I started doing this nifty little trick in college, I learned DIY Frenchies are pretty fun (and cost less!)

1. Start with a dry coat of clear or colored polish. Here, I have the week’s self-manicure and accent nail. Gonna tip the violet ones with a glittery lavender polish!

2. Tape over your nails and leave a strip of nailbed bare on top (adjust the area on how thick/thin you want the Frenchtip to be). Get your Frenchtip color (white, or any color actually!) and paint your tips!

3. Even with shaky hands, you’ll get straight strips of the paint thanks to the tape acting as your stencil. Carefully peel off the strips of tape while the polish is still slightly wet.

4. Let them dry, add a clear top coat to seal. Ta-daah! :)

2 notes #nails#nail polish#nail art#DIY#French tip#manicure
August 5th, 2012
‘Haiguise!’ Post: DIY Ombre Nails This is a pretty easy DIY nail art, although it can get pretty messy, so keep your nail polish remover and cotton buds nearby. Try it with different kinds of colors, not only gradient; have fun experimenting! For a more detailed tutorial, head on over to my favorite beauty blog! Here’s the link to my previous DIY post: ‘Haiguise!’ Post: DIY Watercolor/Tie-dye Nail Art

‘Haiguise!’ Post: DIY Ombre Nails

This is a pretty easy DIY nail art, although it can get pretty messy, so keep your nail polish remover and cotton buds nearby. Try it with different kinds of colors, not only gradient; have fun experimenting! For a more detailed tutorial, head on over to my favorite beauty blog!

Here’s the link to my previous DIY post:

‘Haiguise!’ Post: DIY Watercolor/Tie-dye Nail Art

2 notes #Diy#nails#nailpolish#nailart#ombre
July 31st, 2012
Macaron vs. Macaroon……is not quite like potae-toe and potah-toe. That one ‘o’ makes the difference, not just in spelling and pronunciation; however, it seems like they can still both mean the same thing — that sweet, delicate and colorful disc, with a smooth and creamy filling in the middle. I agree with what this post says, though, that the extra ‘o’ pertains to the chewy, coconut-y nuggets (I love it when its edges are a bit burnt). Either way, both desserts, when prepared well, should elicit an “oh” or an “ooh,” whichever sounds better to your ears. Oh, and these colorful macarons above? A little surprise one afternoon, courtesy of Diamond Hotel. Have you tried their restaurant, Cake Club? You must. Their Ispahan macaron cake is my-oh-my divine, always leaving me twinkly-eyed with every bite. — [Assorted macarons, Diamond Club / DIY nail art]

Macaron vs. Macaroon…

…is not quite like potae-toe and potah-toe. That one ‘o’ makes the difference, not just in spelling and pronunciation; however, it seems like they can still both mean the same thing — that sweet, delicate and colorful disc, with a smooth and creamy filling in the middle. I agree with what this post says, though, that the extra ‘o’ pertains to the chewy, coconut-y nuggets (I love it when its edges are a bit burnt). Either way, both desserts, when prepared well, should elicit an “oh” or an “ooh,” whichever sounds better to your ears. Oh, and these colorful macarons above? A little surprise one afternoon, courtesy of Diamond Hotel. Have you tried their restaurant, Cake Club? You must. Their Ispahan macaron cake is my-oh-my divine, always leaving me twinkly-eyed with every bite.

—

[Assorted macarons, Diamond Club / DIY nail art]

1 note #diy#nails#dessert#macarons#food
July 30th, 2012
Cheese be with you. Who moved the cheese? Starbucks did. While another food chain claims to be doing the cheese top first, the Ultimate Grilled Cheese introduced it first to my tastebuds, and amazingly so. Greasy, cheesy on top (but not sticky as Kimmel’s parody TVC depicts), Starbucks’ filling sandwich is cheese top done right. The suprise slices of spiced sausages inside makes it extra savory. I order this with my usual hot Americano (I’m not too fond of iced or frappes). Mmmm. Brunch of the champions, baby. — [Caffe Americano and Ultimate Grilled Cheese, Starbucks / DIY nail art]

Cheese be with you.

Who moved the cheese? Starbucks did. While another food chain claims to be doing the cheese top first, the Ultimate Grilled Cheese introduced it first to my tastebuds, and amazingly so. Greasy, cheesy on top (but not sticky as Kimmel’s parody TVC depicts), Starbucks’ filling sandwich is cheese top done right. The suprise slices of spiced sausages inside makes it extra savory. I order this with my usual hot Americano (I’m not too fond of iced or frappes). Mmmm. Brunch of the champions, baby.

—

[Caffe Americano and Ultimate Grilled Cheese, Starbucks / DIY nail art]

#diy#nails#food#starbucks#coffee#sandwich
July 29th, 2012
‘Haiguise!’ Post: DIY Watercolor/Tie-dye Nail Art Since some girlfriends have been seeing my nails and asking how I painted them that way, I decided to share with them a picture collage on how I did it. I’m reposting it over here in case anyone else wants to try out the watercolor-esque effect on their claws! If you’re wondering what Haiguise! means, I come bearing a link to a video to explain its origin. Oh, and if my tutorial photo is too condensed or simplified, just check out uncle Google or your bro Youtube for a more detailed hey guys post. ;)

‘Haiguise!’ Post: DIY Watercolor/Tie-dye Nail Art

Since some girlfriends have been seeing my nails and asking how I painted them that way, I decided to share with them a picture collage on how I did it. I’m reposting it over here in case anyone else wants to try out the watercolor-esque effect on their claws!

If you’re wondering what Haiguise! means, I come bearing a link to a video to explain its origin. Oh, and if my tutorial photo is too condensed or simplified, just check out uncle Google or your bro Youtube for a more detailed hey guys post. ;)

8 notes #diy#nails#tutorial#nailpolish#nailart
July 27th, 2012
Bread. Winner. If I find myself hungry and only have loose change in my pocket, I head to Friss Point, this little corner at Salcedo Village. They serve lutong-bahay viands, but I frequent the place for their tiny mom-and-pop style bakery that reminds me of the neighborhood bake shops in the province. Bread is white, chewy, and with that familiar tinge of yellow, thanks to butter or margarine (or both). A piece of Ensaymada or Spanish Bread costs less than P10. I buy a couple and I’m set for my afternoon snack. Simple joys! — [Ensaymada and Spanish bread, Friss Point / DIY nail art]

Bread. Winner.

If I find myself hungry and only have loose change in my pocket, I head to Friss Point, this little corner at Salcedo Village. They serve lutong-bahay viands, but I frequent the place for their tiny mom-and-pop style bakery that reminds me of the neighborhood bake shops in the province. Bread is white, chewy, and with that familiar tinge of yellow, thanks to butter or margarine (or both). A piece of Ensaymada or Spanish Bread costs less than P10. I buy a couple and I’m set for my afternoon snack. Simple joys!

—

[Ensaymada and Spanish bread, Friss Point / DIY nail art]

#ensaymada#food#nails#diy#bread
July 26th, 2012
McHappy. I’m not the biggest fastfood fan, but if I had to pick a quick fix burger to fill my stomach and keep my belly happy, it has to be McDonald’s McChicken (their Chicken McNuggets is also a favorite). It’s ever so reliable, its soft bun and the sweet dressing both familiar to my palate; seems like they never changed the flavors throughout the years. The weekend’s so near. Hooray for today! — [McChicken Small Value Meal / DIY nail art]

McHappy.

I’m not the biggest fastfood fan, but if I had to pick a quick fix burger to fill my stomach and keep my belly happy, it has to be McDonald’s McChicken (their Chicken McNuggets is also a favorite). It’s ever so reliable, its soft bun and the sweet dressing both familiar to my palate; seems like they never changed the flavors throughout the years.

The weekend’s so near. Hooray for today!

—

[McChicken Small Value Meal / DIY nail art]

#mcdonalds#chicken#diy#food